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LS101–Legal Studies

Course Description: This course introduces the student to the American legal system, including sources of law; topical areas within the law; legal process; basic legal research methods; and ethical issues. It is the initial, introductory course in Legal Studies and is required for completion of a minor in Legal Studies. The course features a broad range of guest speakers as well as a number of field trips to courts, law libraries, and law offices.

Required works:

Jay M. Feinman, Law 101 - Everything You Need to Know About American Law, Oxford University Press 5rd Ed. (2018)

Peter Irons The Courage of Their Convictions: Sixteen Americans Who Fought Their Way to the Supreme Court,Penguin Press (1990)

Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, Random House (2015)

Teaching Philosophy: My job is to help you develop legal knowledge and skills that will make you successful in YOUR career. This class focuses on Constitutional literacy. It is your responsibility to be prepared for class and to complete all assignments on time. I have listed reading assignments, exams and presentations/debates for each week below. Please note that I reserve the option to modify the schedule and frequently add content to the syllabus based on current events. Classes are conducted based on the assumption that students have PRE-READ the material for that day's class; all material is subject to class discussion.

Office Hours: I am available before/after class, by appointment at my office which is located in the O'Grady Library Room 219 [3rd Floor aka Thomas Room] or via email at snewman@stmartin.edu. I try to respond to emails within 24 hours. Note these etiquette tips for emailing your professor and submitting materials.

Academic Policy: SMU Academic Policies and Procedures regarding academic dishonesty can be found in the undergraduate student catalog. I do not give mulligans (re-dos/extra credit) or incompletes and absences, regardless of reason, are recorded as absences.

Need Help? Information on student support offices, including academic support, counseling, health and disability support services can be found in the undergraduate student catalog. Students are responsible for working with disability services to provide me notice of any necessary accommodations. For technology help, contact the Help Desk or the Computer Resource Center.

Check this syllabus frequently, as I've built some flexibility into the syllabus to accommodate additional guest speakers and field trips.

Class participation can and does make a difference!!

===============================================Syllabus will be on Moodle - log in here